Wireless Mesh Microgrid Control for Auxiliary Device Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microgrid systems face challenges with wired connections being vulnerable to environmental interference and require more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions for communication and control, especially in distributed infrastructure setups.
Innovation Solution
A microgrid system utilizing a mesh network configuration where primary devices, such as electrolysers, wirelessly communicate with auxiliary devices like dryers and water tanks, enabling autonomous control without external controllers, allowing for efficient activation and power adjustment based on operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used between devices in a microgrid, then communication reliability is improved, but vulnerability to environmental interference (rodent damage, installation complexity) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication systems. Devices in the microgrid use wireless transceivers to communicate operational data and control signals, eliminating physical cables that are susceptible to rodent damage and environmental interference while maintaining communication reliability through protocol-level error handling and retransmission mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If external controllers or gateways are used to control microgrid devices, then control functionality is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service control where devices autonomously adjust their operation based on received wireless communications from other devices in the microgrid. For example, electrolysers automatically adjust their power consumption based on hydrogen storage status communicated by storage devices, eliminating the need for external controllers or gateways while maintaining full control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges control functionality directly into the devices themselves through integrated wireless communication modules. Each device contains the necessary communication and control logic to participate in microgrid operations, combining what were previously separate control system components into the devices themselves, thereby reducing overall system complexity
3Reliability
If auxiliary devices operate continuously, then operational readiness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having auxiliary devices operate only when needed based on real-time microgrid conditions communicated wirelessly. Devices transition between active and standby states based on received operational data, such as activating dryers only when electrolysers are producing hydrogen that requires drying, thereby maintaining operational readiness while significantly reducing energy consumption during non-critical periods
Data Source
AI summary
A microgrid comprising: a plurality of devices including at least: one or more primary devices, and one or more auxiliary devices, the plurality of devices being configured to form an at least partially connected mesh network for wireless communication of information between the devices, wherein at least one of the one or more auxiliary devices is controlled in dependence on communicated information relating to the operation of at least one of the one or more primary devices.